The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-11-06
The Largest Island in the World.

among nations that call themselves civilized.
The Largest Island In tho World.
The explorers are gradually lifting the veil
that has made New Guinea a land Of mys-
terry. and are revealing what is behind the
grand mountain ranges that skirt consid-
cradle part Of It's coast line. Every little
while we hear Of new explorers in the field,
or Of some fresh discovery. OF course, the
latest Investigations are upsetting some Of
our previous notions Of the geography Of
New Guinea. A couple OF years ago we often
read that the great drawback to the hum
dreds Of miles OF German coasts on the
northeast eide Of the island was the lack OF
harbors and anchorases. Since then the
Germans have brought their patient, minute
and accurate methods Of investigation to
bear upon this coast line, and they have
found o number Of very excellent harbors,
and have proven that at a half dozen points
along their coast large amount OF shipping
can safely ride at anchor in any weather.
An important geographical surprise has
Just como to US from the south or British
coast Of the island. On most maps Of New
Guinea the mouth Of the Arid River, which
Capt B1ACKwooD discovered many years
ago isindicated. This river, emptying into the
Gulf Of Papua, was supposed to be one OF the
large rivers of the island. Capt. EvERILL
was sent from Australia to explore it two
years ago. but the hostility Of the natives at
Its mouth made change In his plans and
he assembled instead the Fly River, which
D'ALBERTIs had already explored for five
hundred miles. In March last the Arid was
finally assembled by young Mr.. BEvAN, who
borrowed little steamer for the purpose
from some Sydney merchants. He made the
interesting discovery that the Arid Is only
one of the branches in the delta Of large
river. which he named the Douglas River,
and which with It's tributary, the Philip Riv-
he was stopped by shoal water.
He had some interesting adventures among
the new-found people Of this wholly unknown
region. The nude savages who induced Capt.
EvERILL to beat retreat fired volleys of
arrows at Mr.. BEvAN's little steamer, but it
was found that iudicious use Of the steam
whistle and few shots fired high were
enough to cause them to jump out Of their
canoes and barely keep their noses above
water until the steamer was at a safe dis
lance. when they resmbarked and padded
away orestfallen. The putting steamer
caused wild commotion among the natives
as IL assembled the Douglas River and the
sound Of the conch shell could everywhere
be heard warning the people Of danger. Here
and there canoes full of natives were seen
padding of In terror. 1t took good deal
Of tact and ingenuity to inspire the poor
creatures with confidence in the strangers.
The natives Of Tumu, a large village, who
took to their boats to escape as the steamer
passed their town, dressed their canoes and
even their own persons with green boughs,
as token that their feelings were friendly.
They could not. however, DO induced to draw
near. A boats crew was sent down stream
toward them, but the savages kept their dis:
lance. Then some pieces Of cloth. hoop iron,
and other trifes were placed on board and
sent drifting toward them. After cautious
inspection they appropriated the curiosities.
In this way friendly relations were at length
established. and the natives permitted the
boat to approach them. Just as they met
photographer on the steamer took picture
Of the curious scene. A very interesting pic
ture 1t Is. too. showing tho white men ex-
tending presents In their hands, while the
naked and timid savages, standing erect In
their canoes, with paddles In hand. show by
their attitudes that they are ready at any
moment to take alarm and paddle away for
dear life.
Mr.. BEvAN had the use of his steamer for
only six weeks, but he found time to discover
another large river, which he named the
Queens Jubilee River, emptying into the
fl,.IR Of par 1f thA lad II
assembled this new river for about 100 miles,
and was then compelled to turn back owing
to the limited time at his disposal. He Is
about to leave Australia again with another
expedition for the purpose Of completing his
very interesting discoveries.
Nearly all the tribes Of this region are can
nibals. The missionary CHALMERS, who is
well acquainted with tribes living near those
discovered by Mr.. BEvAN, calls them thor
oughgoing cannibals," and says he found
them very Jolly set OF fellows. A while ago
an old chief, who was a great admirer Of
Mrs. CHALMERS, brought her present of a
mans breast, saying 1t was the best piece
and she must have 1t. Unlike most of the |
cannibal tribes Of Africa, the man-eaters Of |
New Guinea apparently do not try to keep
the white man In ignorance Of their horrid |
custom. Several hundreds OF miles further
east Mr.. CHALAIERs was invited to attend a |
cannibal feast. at which three victims were
eaten. The Stacy Islanders told the mis-
sionary with great e1ultation that they had |
killed and eaten ten of their enc
mics, The Germans say that all the dwellers
on the shores Of Huon Gulf, by far the larg |
est indentation along the German coast, are
and are OF low order OF intelli- |
Renoe. Capt, BRIDGES says that in his opln- |
lon the natives Of all the islands Of Mels-
nesiA are cannibala. except those who have |